Op-Ed: NFL's most electrifying QB not its best

Ask those following the ongoing NFL season who the best player behind center is right now, and the vast majority would say Aaron Rodgers.

To their credit, they'd be right. #12 in the green and yellow has already posted over 4,000 yards through the air, and maintained a potentially record-setting 123.3 passer rating on the season. Rodgers also holds the career passer rating record at 103.8.

The fact is, nobody doubts the real A-Rod's prowess, but his methodical picking apart of opposing defenses leaves little room for excitement — unless you're the sort who takes delight in watching hapless secondaries being torched by one of the best in the game.

So, who wears the crown for most compelling at QB?

Cases could be made for several of the league's field generals.

There are perennial favourites Tom Brady and Drew Brees, but they've been at it for so long that a cascade of wins and impressive numbers is now expected of them —terrible games are the exception, here, not the rule.

There is rookie quarterback Cam Newton, who has put together a fantastic campaign in his debut season, and could stand to break Peyton Manning's 1998 record for most passing yards. However, Newton's offensive abilities have unfortunately been offset by a dismal defensive effort from his Carolina Panthers, resulting in a miserable 4-9 record this season, and making his fantastic individual efforts seem less spectacular.

With record-setting seasons in the offing for several quarterbacks, it almost seems ridiculous that the most electrifying quarterback in the league today was warming the bench at the start of the season. But that was where Tim Tebow sat for the first five games of the 2011 campaign.

Before any hackles are raised, the obvious should be said: Tebow is far from the best quarterback playing the game. He has a completion rating below 50 per cent, and outside of the fourth quarter his quarterback rating is pathetic.

Denver QB Tim Tebow

Jeffrey Beall

What's problematic is Tebow's arm, which is suspect at best. However, Tebow has been showing signs of improvement, having passed for over 200 yards in each of his past two games.

His passing abilities (or lack thereof) notwithstanding, Tebow is strong on the run, averaging 5.7 yards per carry, with three touchdowns, and 468 total yards in his eight-and-a-half games. It was on the strength of these statistics that the Bears' Brian Urlacher called Tebow a 'good running back.'

Since he was called up, Tebow has led the Denver Broncos to an impressive 8-5 record — seven of those wins are his — putting his team back into the playoff picture. Further, Tebow consistently keeps fans on the edge of their seat with his growing retinue of fourth-quarter comeback wins. There's a reason the final minutes of every Broncos game are referred to as "Tebow time."

The simple fact is, the Broncos keep piling up the wins, and they're doing so in an incredibly exciting (albeit sloppy) fashion. Some of that can be attributed to the team's defense, which has been astounding, but it's also clear that Tebow's star is rising in Denver, at least for now.

Thanks to a tight-lipped management team in Denver, the future of the quarterback is uncertain. But while fans wait for a decision on Tebow's future, #15 could continue to collect wins — and Tebowmaniacs — perhaps to Hulk Hogan's chagrin.

This opinion article was written by an independent writer. The opinions and views expressed herein are those of the author and are not necessarily intended to reflect those of DigitalJournal.com